Susan Collins Grills Pete Hegseth and Declines to Endorse Him for Defense Secretary
Briefly

Senator Susan Collins expressed her concerns about Pete Hegseth's nomination for Secretary of Defense, emphasizing the importance of a thorough vetting process before making any decisions. She stated, "I pressed him on both his position on military issues as well as the allegations against him," which highlights her insistence on accountability and careful consideration of candidates for such a significant role.
Ms. Collins noted that her meeting with Mr. Hegseth was extensive, discussing crucial topics in defense. She affirmed, "I don't think there was anything that we did not cover," indicating the depth of their conversation and her commitment to understanding his stance before endorsing him.
Following their meeting, Collins declared her decision would hinge on a complete F.B.I. background check and the upcoming confirmation hearing. "She said she would not be coming to a decision about Mr. Hegseth's bid to lead the Pentagon until after...he had undergone a confirmation hearing," showing her approach prioritizes due diligence in high-level nominations.
Despite the substantive nature of their discussions, Collins noted the lack of alignment regarding Hegseth's nomination, stating, "it was clear that Mr. Hegseth had not yet won her support." This underscores the scrutiny and level of approval required for such appointments.
Read at www.nytimes.com
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